Smithtown Overnight Road Closure To Start Aug. 22 On Route 347: DOT

SMITHTOWN, NY — Motorists of Smithtown may breathe a sigh of relief as the state Department of Transportation will be making drainage improvements to the roadway next Monday for a Route 347 Safety, Mobility and Environmental Improvement Project.

While the overnight closures, starting Aug. 22 from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., will lead to drivers and other motor vehicle operators using an alternate route, in the long term the upgrades could lead to less flooding of cars and other vehicles in the future, according to a report made by the Town of Smithtown earlier this year.

In January, the Town of Smithtown announced that it would use $11 million of Covid-19 funds not only to address the deadly virus, but to also rebuild the local economy and infrastructure, including its roads, which are prone to flooding and damaging cars, according to Town Supervisor Edward Wehrheim.

Traffic will be closed overnight on State Route 347 (Smithtown Bypass) in both directions between State Route 25 (Middle County Road) and Alexander Avenue on weeknights and the drainage improvements are expected to last approximately one week, weather permitting, according to the DOT.

Eastbound traffic will be detoured onto eastbound State Route 25 and northbound Alexander Avenue. Westbound traffic will be detoured onto southbound Alexander Avenue and westbound State Route 25, the transportation agency added.

Commuters and community members who have questions regarding the Route 347 Safety, Mobility and Environmental Improvement Project may contact the DOT public outreach office at ny347outreach@gmail.com or (631) 675-1484, said the agency.

Motorists are urged to plan accordingly and drive responsibly in work zones. Fines will be doubled for speeding in a work zone. Convictions for two or more speeding violations in a work zone could result in the suspension of an individual’s driver license, the DOT noted.

People interested in up-to-date travel information can call 511, visit www.511NY.org or download a free 511NY mobile app, according to the DOT. Or follow NYSDOT on Twitter at @NYSDOT and @NYSDOTLI or find the agency on Facebook at Facebook.com/NYSDOT for more information.